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Veterans Benefits FAQs

Riddle Brantley LLP   |  June 20, 2019   |  

There are a number of different types of benefits available to military veterans who become disabled during their military service.

What are disability compensation benefits?
What are dependency and indemnity compensation benefits?
What are special monthly compensation benefits?
What other benefits may be available?

According to the Veterans Administration website (www.va.gov), they include: Disability Compensation, Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) Benefits, Special Monthly Compensation Benefits, and many others.

Veterans Benefits

What are disability compensation benefits?

This is what most people think of when they hear the term “VA Disability.” Disability Compensation benefits are monthly cash payment to Veterans with disabilities that are “the result of a disease or injury incurred or aggravated during active military service.”

The amount of the monthly payment depends on the degree of the Veteran’s disability. The current range can be as low as $130.94 for a Veteran found to be only 10% disabled, or as high as $2,858.24 (plus other benefits described below, in some cases) for a Veteran found to be totally (100%) disabled.

The VA uses a mathematical formula to determine the specific amount to be paid to a particular Veteran once his or her level of disability is determined. How VA Disability Compensation differs from Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits: Social Security Disability Benefits are an all or nothing proposition; you are either totally disabled, or you are not totally disabled. There are no percentages computed.

What are dependency and indemnity compensation benefits?

These benefits are monthly cash payments made to a surviving spouse, child, or parent of a service member who dies while on active duty or from injuries sustained during active duty. The basic rate is currently $1,223.33/month, but that rate can be adjusted in certain circumstances.

What are special monthly compensation benefits?

These are extra monthly cash payments available to Veterans, their spouses, surviving spouses and parents when there are “special circumstances” like the need for home health care or extra household help because of the loss of a limb or the like. This type of benefit is sometimes called “aid and attendance.” The amount of this benefit depends on the level of need, and it is in addition to any Disability Compensation or DIC Benefits.

What other benefits may be available?

In appropriate circumstances, the VA provides additional benefits to disabled Veterans including grants of money for housing modifications (for instance, to allow for wheelchair access) and special types of mortgage insurance.

Have Questions? Contact Our Veterans Benefits Lawyers Today

Applying for veterans benefits can be a frustrating and time consuming process however, it does not have to be.  At the law offices of Riddle & Brantley, our law firm can help you apply for and obtain the Veterans benefits you have earned by your service. Don’t delay. We offer 100% FREE consultations to veterans and are here to help. We welcome the opportunity to speak to you by phone at (800) 525-7111 or you may contact us by clicking here.